Champions League round-up

14 April 2012
Given draws on his World Cup nightmare

Shay Given expects a hostile reception in the Partizan Stadium tonight but believes he can cope after weathering a storm in Iran.
The Newcastle goalkeeper was part of the Republic of Ireland side who played in front of 80,000 fanatical fans in Tehran for a World Cup play-off and emerged with a ticket to the finals.
"It's the most terrifying situation I have played in and if you can come through that, you can come through anything," said Given, who will equal Rob Lee's club record of 27 European appearances when he faces Partizan Belgrade tonight.
"The Iranians spent the whole game throwing rocks, tomatoes and oranges at us."
Given anticipates a tough test against the team who knocked Newcastle out of the Cup Winners' Cup five seasons ago.
"It was a close thing then between us and Partizan but we have a lot of quality," said Given, one of only four survivors from the side that started that match. "We are in for two tough games."

O'Neill in warning for Celtic

Martin O'Neill claims his Celtic side are not good enough to treat any team lightly. Celtic take on MTK Hungaria in Budapest tonight in the first leg of the final qualifying round for the Champions League.
Celtic lost at the same stage last year and manager Martin O'Neill said: "This game is so important for us - we are not good enough to treat anyone lightly. We will approach it with a more secure policy away from home but I also believe an away goal is vital."

De Boer is ready for challenge

Ronald De Boer believes Scottish champions Rangers could be facing their most important game of the season at Ibrox tonight.
Danish title-holders FC Copenhagen stand between them and the group stage of the Champions League - and the estimated £10million that comes with it.
Dutch midfielder De Boer said: "We've arrived at the most important game of the season already.
"If you don't make it you will hurt yourself, the club and everybody involved at Rangers. It is very, very important."

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